Transgenic organisms have not been a breakthrough in science for a long time. The first such experiments took place back in 1974.
However, for the first time in history, Chinese scientists have used transgenic monkeys to study the genetic origins of the human brain.
As part of the study, a team of scientists introducedembryos monkeys human microcephalin. As a result, 11 transgenic macaques were born, of which only five survived. Scientists believe that this made the monkeys smarter - it took the fetus's brain more time to form, but they demonstrate better memory skills and reactions faster than their unchanged peers.
This was the first attempt to understand the evolution of human knowledge using the transgenic monkey model.
Geneticist Bin Soo of the Kunming Institute of Zoology
Many experts and scientists have criticized the approachChinese researchers, since science has not yet reached a unified agreement on whether it is ethical to change animal genes, especially in the field of their consciousness, to study man. In addition, many European countries, as well as the United States prohibit such experiments.
Chinese scientists last half a year are incenter of scandals around experiments in the field of genetics. On January 22, the Chinese authorities officially confirmed the birth of the world's first children from the edited embryos - Lulu and Nana, as well as the pregnancy of another participant in the project. The birth of the world's first children with edited genes became known at the end of November, but the scientific community was skeptical about the statement made by geneticist He Jiankuya due to the lack of scientific work and research.
During the investigation, the Chinese authorities came toconcluded that He Jiankui conducted all experiments on the editing of embryo genes, trying to instill in them resistance to HIV, independently - without warning anyone about his experiments. The ministry’s report noted that He “intentionally avoided the attention of the authorities”, but did not explain what kind of supervision he was talking about.
As a result, the Chinese authorities will introduce criminal liability for scientists who conduct experiments with genomic editing without obtaining special permission.